The Audience Paradox
How do we remain inclusive with our creative projects & products while acknowledging that: a.) we are often creating for a very specific niche, and b.) not everyone will enjoy the work we create?
Creators Are Leaders
As a creator, whether you feel like it or not, you have the opportunity to be a leader. In fact, by publishing your work, you already are. Here’s why.
The Public Ear & Eye
When I first started podcasting, I wasn’t sure if I should put myself “out there” — especially visually. After all, weren’t podcasters meant to be heard, and not seen?
My Biggest Podcasting Mistake
I love talking about all of the mistakes I made when I first started podcasting. First of all, they’re hilarious (and kinda cringe-y). Secondly, those mistakes mark the places where I have learned my most valuable and poignant lessons.
It’s Book Recommendation Time!
These four books changed my life, my creativity, and the way I do business. Here’s what they taught me.
It Seems Impossible
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” — Nelson Mandela. This is one of the truest phrases ever spoken, especially if you’re in the midst of a creative project.
You Have A Story To Tell.
A lot of people want to podcast, but are afraid they don’t have anything “important enough” to say — or that they don’t have a story to tell at all. The reality is, you have…
A Quick Note On SEO
Here’s what no one else will tell you about SEO, what it really is, and why it works the way it does.
What’s Your Next Step?
Just like life, a creative project isn’t a single mountain to climb — it’s an entire mountain range. And once we reach one summit, it’s time to start thinking about the next. But what is it?
One Of The Biggest Lies
What you create is not FOR everyone. Here’s why that’s okay.
Does It Sound Like Writing?
Over the years, this has become my #1 piece of writing advice…
The One Million Mark
You may have heard that there are now over 1,000,000 podcasts in Apple Podcasts. As a creator, one million can sound pretty intimidating — until you realize that…
A Fresh Batch
Do you record podcast episodes in batches? Batching (recording a batch of episodes all at once) is something that, despite my best intentions, I’ve never been able to get a handle on. Here’s why.
Stop Hitting “Refresh”
Fun fact: Turns out that hitting “refresh” doesn’t magically generate downloads. But I NEEDED external validation that I was on the right track…
Writer’s Block
There’s a lot going on when we talk about writer’s block, and I think that overcoming it starts with understanding why it’s there in the first place. For me, my writer’s block always starts with…
5 Unexpected Lessons I Learned From Podcasting
I’ve been podcasting for many years now, and I’ve learned a LOT along the way. Several things I sort of anticipated or expected (like, you’ll get better at podcasting the more you do it) — but there were a couple things that really blindsided me. I’m…
The Comfort Zone
Let’s talk about comfort — as in your comfort zone. I love comfort. Loooooove it. Being safe and cozy and warm is pretty much my favorite thing in the world. (Especially if I have a book and a cup of tea!) But…
Girl In Space: Prelude To Mutiny
What did the Caldwell Enterprises team expect to find when they set out toward the Cavatica? I have good news — you’ll find out in this bonus miniseries!
Not Even The Same Sport
What does “success” mean for your creative project — whether it’s a book, podcast, poetry chapbook, or something else entirely? Well, I’ve got a secret…
Stop Acting So Small.
One of our biggest roadblocks as creators is this notion that we are not WHOLE. That we are missing something that everyone around us seems to have. That we are NOT, in some way, “enough.” This. Is. A. Lie.
Is A Podcast Right For Me?
Is a podcast right for me? And how do I know when I’m ready to start one? This post will clear your questions right up.
What Are You Waiting For?
I had the idea for my first podcast, Write Now, way back in early 2014. But I didn’t launch the first episode until 2015. I sat on that idea for a whole YEAR because… well, I was afraid.
Comparison & Enough
This time last year, I was giving my very first TEDx talk. It was without a doubt the most difficult thing I had ever done. To this day, it still is. I was a seasoned national speaker when I applied…
What’s Your Crutch?
About a month ago, my friends Cap and Sean intervened, and basically told me I would be a better, healthier version of myself if I cut down on the excessive coffee consumption. I realized — I had come to think of coffee not just as a delicious hot beverage… but as a CRUTCH.
Today I Am Grateful
Even in the midst of a pandemic, political awfulness, and the several inches of snow I woke up to this morning, I am grateful.
Expectation vs. Reality
I love what I do — truly. Creating full-time has always been my dream. And I don’t want to sound like I’m taking it for granted when I admit that it’s often… complicated. But it is. Before I became a full-time creator, I would wistfully scroll through Instagram posts of writers’ desks…
A Cluttered Home
I try to live my life as intentionally as I can, but often I’m taken aback at exactly how much I do that’s UNintentional. About a year ago, I took a step back and looked at my home from an outsider’s point of view, and realized that my central design feature is actually CLUTTER…
Be The Love
“Be the love you never received.” — Rune Lazuli I saw a quote years ago encouraging people to be the people *they* needed in their lives when they were younger. This quote is similar, but a bit more poignant. Wherever you are in your writing or...
Be The Light
The things we create are powerful and meaningful. Whether you’re producing a podcast, writing a novel, baking bread for your family and friends, or …
Finding New Podcasts
How do you find new podcasts to listen to? It isn’t always easy.
Comparison & Obsession
Do you ever find yourself playing the comparison game? BECAUSE I DO. I’m moving happily forward with my…
Your Podcasting Roadmap
I’ve seen a HUGE surge of interest in podcasting lately, and so I wanted to share this FREE resource with you: my printable Podcast Roadmap!
Creativity & Grace
The world is in a strange place of turmoil and uncertainty right now, and some of you (myself included) feel a sudden anxious pressure to create — whether it’s to meet deadlines, to keep churning out content despite a shifting schedule, or to take advantage of an unexpected swath of free time.
Creation In Isolation
Taking care of yourself is essential right now, especially if you are a creator, writer, podcaster, healthcare worker, grocery store employee, teacher, deliveryperson, business owner, student, parent…
Girl In Space Wins 3 Awards
We’re excited to announce that Girl In Space took home THREE Audio Verse Awards for 2019!
Seriously Successful Podcasters
Whether you’re a podcasting newbie or a seasoned veteran, you’ll love the strategy and tactics shared within the Seriously Successful Podcasters Facebook group!
Sarah At NYCC 2019
I was completely stoked & humbled to be invited to speak about audio drama podcasts at New York Comic Con 2019!
How I Get My Blue Yeti To Sound Good
“Sarah, how do you manage not to sound like you’re recording in a tunnel?” It’s one of the most frequently asked questions I receive, and today I’m giving you my secrets to professional-sounding results from this popular USB mic.
Livestream: How To Write A Killer Podcast Script
Hey friends! Sarah here. I’m excited to announce that I did a livestream on “How To Write A Killer Podcast” in partnership with the Austin Film Festival. Watch the replay here!
What To Do About Negative Reviews
I just deleted a series of tweets I wrote about a one-star review I received on iTunes that called me a moron and a bad writer. A kind-hearted Twitter user suggested it might lead to dog-piling, which I don’t want.
My TEDx Talk
In April 2019, I gave a TEDx talk entitled “When You Can’t Help Everyone”. It was a very different type of talk for me — completely honest, no mask. Here it is in its entirety.
I’m Giving A TEDx Talk!
I’m excited to announce that I’ve been invited to give a TEDx talk! I’ll be speaking about “When You Can’t Help Everyone”, a topic I’ve struggled with for years. As many of you know, my dad is a pastor, and raised me to be a...
Podfest 2019
Hey friends! I’m excited to announce that I will be speaking at Podfest 2019 in Orlando from March 7-9, 2019! Though I podcast in both the nonfiction (Write Now) and fictional (Girl In Space) realms, I’ll be mainly serving as an audio drama ambassador. 🙂...
I Was Involved In An Altercation Today.
I had a very weird, intense thing happen today. So I was working on course marketing at a Starbucks by my house when this drunk older gentleman wandered in and began yelling. He announced he was a Marine vet and that he didn’t want to order at the back of the...
Free 3-Part Podcasting Series
REGISTER HERE NOW! Not sure how to start podcasting? Or… not sure how to find success once you do? Overwhelmed by marketing, social media, equipment, and more? If you’re ready to take your podcasting to the next level (or… you know, ANY level),...
Quick Beginning-of-2019 Update
Hey friends. Sarah here. I’ve had a lot of people asking me lately, so I want to officially say: No! The Write Now podcast is not dead! It simply got… a little neglected this year as my life went through some radical changes. Some (most?) of you know that...
Choosing Just One Word
I’m doing that One Word exercise that everyone goes crazy about this time of year (i.e., the pre-New Year’s holidays). The concept is that you choose one word to focus on as a mantra, catalyst, intention, and simplifier.
Writer’s Block Does/Does Not Exist
I was just talking to a writer friend about how I’m having so much difficulty writing the finale of Girl In Space. She made a comment along the lines of, “Wow, writer’s block really sucks,” which hit me like a ton of bricks.
The Writing “Should”s
Here’s the deal. Sometimes you sit down and what you write is really good. Sometimes you sit down and what you write is really bad. Sometimes you get discouraged and sit down and stare glumly juuuuust to the right of your computer monitor, because you can’t bear the thought of writing.
Catalysts
Hey friends. I’m in a weird place. I’m getting calls from agents. I’m meeting “must-know” people. I’m being invited to speak. It’s really flattering, and my ego is purring like a kitten in a sunbeam.